Colorado orchards see bumper crop

CEDAREDGE, Colo. (KKCO) -- The 2012 drought is being called a disaster in other parts of the country. The dry conditions have wiped out the majority of the apple crop. However, farmers on the Western Slope are actually seeing a bumper crop, which is an especially productive harvest.

"We have had a phenomenal year. We have had some great weather conditions even though it's a drought year," said local farmer Chan Fogg.

Local growers say in years like this one, their irrigation system sets them apart from the rest of the country.

"There is a market for them, especially since nationally the eastern part of the United States is down," said Fogg.

Fogg raises 100 acres of apple trees, and says he is just a drop in the bucket compared to other orchards in the area.

"But we are probably the biggest grower of Red Delicious in the state," said Fogg.

While apple crops across the country are producing less than five percent of an average crop, Fogg says he said he will have 10 times more this year.

"We were thinned out a little bit with the early frost but we ended up with a pretty good crop," said Fogg.

Fogg says harvest season is wrapping up two weeks early this year around the 10th of October.

Fortunately, there will be plenty of the crisp and juicy fruit for Applefest on Oct. 5 and 6.

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